​Hourglasses are arguably one of the earliest objects that had to be made of glass, since then the design has been almost completely untouched. Traditionally, the artifact operates in a linear fashion, up and down or in some cases resting on its side to stop the clock. However, we now know that time is not linear. Regardless of how little time is understood, we remain determined to measure it as accurately as possible. It is akin to inventing a metronome without understanding what music is. The hourglass is precisely calibrated so when in full vertical orientation the glass measures exactly 15 minutes–or up to one hour depending on the size. However, the user can manipulate the angle and axis of the artifact, speeding up or slowing down the measurement of time. The device becomes a symbol, a method by which to contemplate the idea of time rather than trying to calculate it correctly. The piece is handmade using borosilicate glass, sand and cork. Copyright Aric Snee.